Latest news with #DepartmentofInformation
The Star
4 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Thailand condemns Cambodian attacks on civilians, hospitals
BANGKOK: Thailand has strongly condemned Cambodia's "indiscriminate" attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and public facilities, including medical establishments, labelling them clear and severe violations of the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered a statement outlining Bangkok's position. - Photo: The Nation/ANN He highlighted specific breaches, including Article 19 of the First Geneva Convention on the protection of medical units and establishments, and Article 18 of the Fourth Geneva Convention concerning the safeguarding of civilian hospitals. "Thailand vehemently condemns such inhumane actions, which clearly contravene obligations under the Geneva Conventions," Nikorndej stated. - Photo: The Nation/ANN He confirmed that the Thai government will dispatch a formal letter to the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), vehemently denouncing these "severe breaches of international humanitarian law." - The Nation/ANN
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Kita MADANI Carnival To Spotlight Unique Products By Entrepreneurs Nationwide
REGION - SOUTHERN > NEWS JOHOR BAHRU, July 24 (Bernama) -- The Kita MADANI Carnival, which will run from tomorrow until July 27 in conjunction with the launch of the 2025 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign at Dataran Tanjung Emas in Muar, is set to feature unique products by micro and small entrepreneurs across the country. Department of Information (JaPen) director-general, Julina Johan, said that 14 Komuniti MADANI entrepreneurs' booths will showcase products, including traditional food and handicrafts that reflect each state's identity, as well as high-quality local herbal, cosmetic, and innovative goods. bootstrap slideshow "These Komuniti MADANI booths serve as an important platform to highlight the uniqueness of each state and the capabilities of local talents in entrepreneurship," she told Bernama here today. According to her, the public can purchase essential items at affordable prices during the MADANI Rahmah Sale, Agro MADANI Sale, and Kasih Johor Sale events. "In addition, through the Food Truck Selera MADANI, visitors can enjoy a variety of Johor dishes and trending foods specially brought in by nearly 15 food truck operators," she said. Julina said visitors can also look forward to a variety of activities, including the Bintang Suara MADANI singing competition, a children's colouring contest, the Fiesta Seni MADANI, interactive exhibitions, and mobile government services. Side events will also be held, including Bakti Komuniti MADANI at Taman Tun Sulaiman Ninam Shah on July 26, Merdeka 6.8KM Fun Run & Walk, and the flag-off for the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang 2025 will take place on July 27 at the same venue. "The Komuniti MADANI retreat will be held at Bistari Mini Stadium in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, on July 26," she added.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Thailand pushes for lower US tariffs, urges ASEAN unity
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand remains optimistic that the latest US tariff rate of 36 per cent on its exports is not final, as the country has submitted a second proposal for reconsideration with ongoing discussions. Thailand's Department of Information Director-General and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, said the government is pushing for a win-win solution. 'We hope the 36 per cent is not final... We certainly hope that we'll get a reduction in the tariff,' he told Bernama. The US recently announced new tariffs on several Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia (25 per cent), Indonesia (32 per cent), and Cambodia (36 per cent), while Laos and Myanmar face the highest rate at 40 per cent. Thailand is adopting a flexible approach in negotiations, including plans to increase US investments. 'We are being flexible on many fronts. We will invest more in the US. And of course, tariff reduction is on the cards,' Nikorndej said. Beyond trade, Thailand is urging stronger ASEAN cooperation to tackle transnational crime, particularly scam centres affecting victims globally. 'We no longer see it as just a threat to Thailand but as a threat to the sub-region and beyond,' he added. On Myanmar, Thailand supports Malaysia's ASEAN leadership in implementing the Five-Point Consensus for peace and reaffirmed its stance that any resolution must be Myanmar-led. Thailand's Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, is attending ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on economic cooperation, sustainability, and regional security. – Bernama
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Thailand hopes Trump's latest tariff rate is not final
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand remains hopeful that the latest reciprocal tariff rate of 36 per cent on its exports to the United States is not final. Thailand's Department of Information Director-General and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, said discussions are ongoing. He said Thailand had submitted a second proposal on July 7, while the 36 per cent tariff rate was announced on Truth Social on the same day. "We hope the 36 per cent is not final… We certainly hope that we'll get a reduction in the tariff. "As I have said, Thailand is trying to achieve a win-win solution with the United States, with the long-term goal of building a lasting partnership between the US and Thailand," he told Bernama. Nikorndej said Thailand is adopting a flexible approach in its negotiations with the US, including plans to boost investment. "We are being flexible on many fronts. We will invest more in the US. And of course, tariff reduction is on the cards. But the number of products and the number of tariffs to be reduced has to be discussed further," he said. US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs of up to 40 per cent on imports from countries including Malaysia (25 per cent), Indonesia (32 per cent), and Cambodia (36 per cent). The highest tariff rate of 40 per cent would be imposed on Laos and Myanmar. Meanwhile, Thailand is calling for stronger cooperation with Asean and key partners to combat transnational organised crime along its borders with Myanmar and Cambodia. Nikorndej said scam centres are a growing threat not only in the region but globally, with victims spanning beyond Asean to include Chinese, Indian, and African nationals. "We no longer see it as just a threat to Thailand or to our economy and people, but as a threat to the sub-region, the broader region, and even people outside the region. Transnational crime means it crosses borders – we can't work alone," he said. Meanwhile, Thailand reiterates the need for Myanmar to move towards an inclusive dialogue that could lead to a sustainable ceasefire. Nikorndej said the conflict in Myanmar is seen as close to home, with the two countries sharing a 2,400-kilometre border. "We support Malaysia's role as the Asean Chair and the efforts of the regional grouping as a whole in realising the Five-Point Consensus (5PCs) on Myanmar," he said. Thailand reaffirmed its long-standing position that any peaceful resolution to the crisis in Myanmar must be both Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned, he added. Thailand's Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, is attending the 58th AMM and related meetings, held under Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11. During the meetings, Thailand outlined six key priorities: strengthening Asean centrality and unity amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics; enhancing economic and digital cooperation; supporting sustainable development; promoting human security; and reinforcing Asean's role in addressing the situation in Myanmar, particularly through the implementation of the 5PCs.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
IMT-GT boosts regional integration amid global challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are reinforcing their commitment to the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) as a strategy to navigate global uncertainties and enhance regional stability. The initiative aims to foster political, economic, and trade cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical volatility. Thailand's Director-General of the Department of Information at the Foreign Ministry, Nikorndej Balankura, highlighted the importance of sub-regional integration during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM). He noted that global economic challenges and the pandemic have slowed progress but stressed the continued push for resilience. 'Global economic uncertainties and the pandemic have hampered the growth and the pace of the IMT-GT advancement, so it has been slowed down a bit. However, the IMT-GT continues to pursue sub-regional integration as a strategy to mitigate negative impacts of global risk,' he told Bernama. Connectivity remains a major hurdle, with cross-border infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and legal harmonisation still in focus. The IMT-GT Implementation Blueprint 2022–2026 prioritises digital trade, data-sharing frameworks, and cross-border digital payments to boost economic corridors. 'Digital connectivity is a newer focus, and addressing physical, legal, and digital connectivity would greatly boost investment, trade, and people-to-people ties, including data flow,' Nikorndej added. On Malaysia-Thailand relations, he emphasised transforming border areas into zones of peace and prosperity. Key projects include road links between Songkhla (Thailand) and Kedah (Malaysia) and a second bridge connecting Narathiwat (Thailand) and Kelantan (Malaysia). These efforts aim to expand market access, particularly to China. Malaysia is also exploring the revival of the Sungai Kolok-Rantau Panjang rail link, which could connect to the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL). Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah confirmed openness to discussions on reopening the 18.7-km railway track, inactive since 1982 for passengers and 2006 for freight. The 16th IMT-GT Summit in May underscored the framework's role in enhancing connectivity and sustainable growth. The 58th AMM, held under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, focuses on inclusivity and sustainability, featuring 24 ministerial-level sessions. - Bernama
